Abstract

Discusses the current situation in further education, which is being driven by funding pressures associated more traditionally with the cultures of business and industry. Argues that, while human resource development has become a high priority in a sector where the quality of service relies on the quality of staff involved, colleges appear to be heading towards a situation in which the lecturing role is being deskilled. Compares these trends with current approaches to human resource development in the industrial sector and suggests that further education should learn from industrial practice before long-term quality suffers.